Parliament is set to consider a proposal to change its sitting time from 10am to 2pm in a bid to improve attendance and fast-track legislative business.
Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, said the shift is necessary due to the frequent absence of Members of Parliament during morning sittings—especially those who double as ministers or board members.
Ayariga stated that a motion to amend the House’s sitting time will soon be presented for debate and a vote. If approved, sittings will begin at 2pm and close at 7pm.
Speaking to the media on Thursday (29 May 2025), Ayariga said the adjustment is intended to allow MPs to handle morning commitments at various ministries before converging in the chamber.
“Because the problem also is that whilst you are sitting here, I can assure you that if you walk to the Minister of Agriculture and you go to the reception of the minister, you will see no less than 20 MPs sitting there,” Ayariga said.
“If you walk to the Minister of Energy, you will see no less than five MPs. Minister of Water Resources—no less than six MPs. Ask them why, and you’ll hear that they are more concerned about boreholes or roads in their constituencies than the debates in the chamber that morning.”
He stated that ministers are often overwhelmed by MPs lobbying for development projects and are unable to attend sessions in the House as a result.
“The minister is calling and complaining and saying, all your people are sitting here and they are putting pressure on me. You say I should come to the chamber. I can’t be disrespectful to them. I have to attend to them before I come,” he said.
According to Ayariga, the proposed time change will give room for ministers and MPs to complete their administrative or lobbying work in the morning, attend board meetings, and then fully concentrate on parliamentary proceedings in the afternoon.
“Let’s allow ministers to work in their ministries in the morning. Let MPs go and lobby for their constituency projects. By midday, everyone should finish and come to the House,” he stated.
He added that a 2pm to 7pm sitting window would still allow the mandatory five hours of parliamentary business to be conducted, with room for extended sittings if needed.
The Majority Leader also argued that the shift would benefit journalists and the public.
“You, the journalists, can also go to your media houses, handle administrative work, report the news, and then come. The public too—by 2pm, most administrative tasks are done, and they can follow proceedings. It’s better timing.”
Ayariga said the Speaker of Parliament is currently engaging stakeholders on the matter and a final decision is expected soon.
“We believe that would enable greater concentration to take place among Members of Parliament,” he added.
The proposed shift is already sparking discussion among MPs and observers, as Parliament looks to balance accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.
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